King James I Academy is delighted to announce that its 3G facility is set for a comprehensive refurbishment programme, with a FIFA-quality surface set to be installed later this year!

With new goals and new lighting planned, the proposed refurbishment project marks an exciting time for the Academy, with the Football Foundation, Eden Learning Trust and local councillors also spearheading the development.

Jake Pearson, Community Manager of King James I Academy said, “We strive to provide the best possible facilities to our students and community users, and we believe that this project supports this statement of intent. To have a refreshed 3G facility, with a high-quality FIFA-accredited and World Rugby 22 compliant surface, will further strengthen our mission to be the primary facility-provider of sports-based clubs within Bishop Auckland.”

“We would like to place on record our gratitude to the Football Foundation, Durham County Council, Eden Learning Trust and our fantastic customers for their collaboration on this project, and we are very much looking forward to the new 3G opening date.”

Delivered by Cleveland Land Services and Lano Sports, and with works planned for an early November start, the new 3G surface will comprise of 9v9, 7v7 & 5v5 football-pitch markings within a full-size 11v11 pitch. In addition to this, a new custom-designed shock-pad will be installed beneath the new carpet, ensuring that the facility will also be suitable for full-contact rugby training.

The Academy has also pledged its commitment to the continuous improvement of its multitude of grass-pitches on the premises.

Jake added, “Coinciding with the 3G refurbishment project, and marking four years since our collaboration on a tailored grass-pitch improvement programme with the Durham County FA and the Football Foundation, we continue to satisfy an increase in grassroots demand by increasing our junior multi-game format offerings across our grass-pitches. We believe this to be a very important development in order to continue to facilitate a wide-range of teams as they progress through their age-groups during their time with us.”

“We also pledge our investment into our wider multi-sport facilities in the short-term, with plans in place to enhance our cricket and netball provision within both our Sports Hall and outdoor netball court in the near future.”

To read more news, request a tour of King James I Academy or apply for a Year 7 or Sixth Form place in September 2027, please visit www.kingjames1academy.co.uk

To find out more about the clubs based at King James I Community, including Bishop Auckland Girls FC, AJX Juniors and Shildon AFC Youth, please visit www.kingjames1academy.co.uk/academylife/community